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Sex shop retains licence despite Richmond Council rules

A sex shop in Richmond will continue trading after its licence was renewed, despite the council’s no sex establishment policy.

Private Shop, at 111 Kew Road, Richmond, has been open for almost 10 years, and will continue to hold its licence to trade from 9.30am until 8pm, Monday to Saturday.

The council has a policy of no sex establishments in the borough, which is discretionary for new applications rather than grounds to refuse to renew a licence.

The shop, which has a plain brown front and blinds pulled down, has always complied with the terms of its licence, but groups have protested the application every year.

Objectors highlighted nearby Falcons Prep School as an issue, but the council did not receive any objections from the school itself.

An objection letter to the council’s licensing department read: “We object strongly to the Private Shop on the grounds of inappropriateness of the character of the locality and use made by the premises in the vicinity.

“The use of the parade of shops and accommodation by families and young children nearby also add to the inappropriateness for the sex shop.”

Councillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for environment, said: “Like a lot of people in the area I would prefer it not to be there. It doesn’t fit in with the area.”

Its licence was renewed at a licensing sub-committee meeting on Tuesday, April 15.

Brian Yeo, 55, who works as a full time sales assistant in the shop, said: “I know you get people that moan about it but I can’t see the problem.

“As long as we don’t have kids coming in then it’s fine.

“We just get people in who walk off from the street and we have quite a few regulars.”

Comments

Concerned_Resident
10:37am Sat 19 Apr 14

I like the bicycle parking just outside, so at least the brown paper bags can be taken home in the greenest manner possible.

On a serious note, what's the problem? It's discreet, it causes no trouble to residents and it is not an estate agent, charity shop or coffee shop. It also doesn't open until the early hours of the morning which is a bonus for all those residents choosing to live on a main road, on the edge of a major town centre. Just a prudish person who doesn't like what they can't see methinks.

On a point of accuracy which is unusual to have to do with RTT reporting:

"Objectors highlighted nearby Falcons Prep School as an issue, but the council did not receive any objections from the school itself."

A quick look on the Council's website reveals it to be a solitary objection that describes another location. Where is this mysterious youth court?

I like the bicycle parking just outside, so at least the brown paper bags can be taken home in the greenest manner possible.
On a serious note, what's the problem? It's discreet, it causes no trouble to residents and it is not an estate agent, charity shop or coffee shop. It also doesn't open until the early hours of the morning which is a bonus for all those residents choosing to live on a main road, on the edge of a major town centre. Just a prudish person who doesn't like what they can't see methinks.
On a point of accuracy which is unusual to have to do with RTT reporting:
"Objectors highlighted nearby Falcons Prep School as an issue, but the council did not receive any objections from the school itself."
A quick look on the Council's website reveals it to be a solitary objection that describes another location. Where is this mysterious youth court?Concerned_Resident

I like the bicycle parking just outside, so at least the brown paper bags can be taken home in the greenest manner possible.

On a serious note, what's the problem? It's discreet, it causes no trouble to residents and it is not an estate agent, charity shop or coffee shop. It also doesn't open until the early hours of the morning which is a bonus for all those residents choosing to live on a main road, on the edge of a major town centre. Just a prudish person who doesn't like what they can't see methinks.

On a point of accuracy which is unusual to have to do with RTT reporting:

"Objectors highlighted nearby Falcons Prep School as an issue, but the council did not receive any objections from the school itself."

A quick look on the Council's website reveals it to be a solitary objection that describes another location. Where is this mysterious youth court?

Score: 14

EdwinaWaugh
2:35pm Mon 21 Apr 14

Elm House, Rocks Lane, Barnes is back in the news. A place used by MPs, Judges and Bishops where paedophiles met to abuse young vulnerable boys and girls. Once again Richmond area is keeping any unpleasant news hidden. The RTT do not want to upset the residents!

Elm House, Rocks Lane, Barnes is back in the news. A place used by MPs, Judges and Bishops where paedophiles met to abuse young vulnerable boys and girls. Once again Richmond area is keeping any unpleasant news hidden. The RTT do not want to upset the residents!EdwinaWaugh

Elm House, Rocks Lane, Barnes is back in the news. A place used by MPs, Judges and Bishops where paedophiles met to abuse young vulnerable boys and girls. Once again Richmond area is keeping any unpleasant news hidden. The RTT do not want to upset the residents!

Score: 1

kingstonpaul
12:56pm Wed 23 Apr 14

I'm amused by claims the shop is 'out of character' for the area. Well, on the assumption that the shop trades profitably, it is presumably servicing a local demand. Which rather suggests it's very much 'in character'...

I'm amused by claims the shop is 'out of character' for the area. Well, on the assumption that the shop trades profitably, it is presumably servicing a local demand. Which rather suggests it's very much 'in character'...kingstonpaul

I'm amused by claims the shop is 'out of character' for the area. Well, on the assumption that the shop trades profitably, it is presumably servicing a local demand. Which rather suggests it's very much 'in character'...

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